Quick Answer
voicemeeter.exe is safe. It is the legitimate Voicemeeter Audio Mixer executable from VB-Audio used to route and mix system audio with virtual cables for streaming, recording, and playback.
Is voicemeeter.exe a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Should be located in C:\Program Files\VB-Audio\Voicemeeter or C:\Program Files (x86)\VB-Audio\Voicemeeter
Warning
Many processes normal
Voicemeeter uses virtual inputs/outputs; multiple internal components may appear as separate items
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close Voicemeeter or disable startup to stop automatic launching
Is there a risk if I uninstall?
Uninstalling will remove Voicemeeter and its virtual cables; you may need to reconfigure audio devices afterward
Backup routing presets if you use Voicemeeter regularly
What is voicemeeter.exe?
voicemeeter.exe is the executable for Voicemeeter, a virtual audio mixer that creates loopback inputs/outputs and routes sound between software applications and physical hardware. It powers Voicemeeter's virtual cables and sliders used by streamers, podcasters, and audio engineers to balance mic, system, and application audio.
Voicemeeter uses a multi-channel virtual device to route and mix audio streams between software and hardware, with separate input buses, hardware outputs, and virtual cables for flexible routing and live monitoring.
Quick Fact: Voicemeeter pioneered virtual audio routing by providing flexible buses and virtual cables for real-time mixing since its early releases.
Types of Voicemeeter Processes
- Voicemeeter VAIO: Virtual Audio Input/Output core used by Voicemeeter to route audio between apps
- Voicemeeter Macro Button: Utility process for macro button control and presets
- Voicemeeter Application: Main UI and processing thread for DSP and routing
- Voicemeeter VAIO Bridge: Background component for stable cable routing
- Voicemeeter Helper: Support service for startup and device management
- Voicemeeter USB Audio Driver: Driver-level component enabling virtual device access
Is voicemeeter.exe Safe?
Yes, voicemeeter.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from VB-Audio downloaded from the official site or a bundled installer.
Is voicemeeter.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real voicemeeter.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if voicemeeter.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\VB-Audio\Voicemeeter\voicemeeter.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\VB-Audio\Voicemeeter\voicemeeter.exe. Any voicemeeter.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signer such as "VB-Audio Software" or related publisher.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low CPU, occasional bursts during DSP tasks. Abnormally high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Voicemeeter should not launch without user action if you did not configure it to start with Windows. Unexpected background activity warrants a scan.
Red Flags: If voicemeeter.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when Voicemeeter is not opened, has no valid signature, or uses persistent, unusual resources, run a malware scan. Watch for similarly-named files such as "voicemeeter64.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is voicemeeter.exe Running on My PC?
Voicemeeter.exe runs to manage virtual audio devices, route audio between programs, and apply DSP effects. It may run when Voicemeeter is launched or set to run in the background for continuous routing.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Voicemeeter Use: You have Voicemeeter open and routing audio between applications and hardware devices.
- Background Audio Routing: Voicemeeter remains active to maintain virtual cables even when you are not actively using the UI.
- Startup Program: Voicemeeter is configured to start with Windows for quick access to virtual devices.
- Macro Button or Virtual Cable: Macro Button utilities or additional VB-Cable devices keep voicemeeter.exe active for quick control.
- Device Reconfiguration: Changing audio devices or sample rates triggers voicemeeter to reinitialize routing paths.
Can I Disable or Remove voicemeeter.exe?
Yes, you can disable voicemeeter.exe. It's safe to close Voicemeeter when not in use, and you can uninstall Voicemeeter completely if you no longer need its virtual audio routing.
How to Stop voicemeeter.exe
- End Voicemeeter UI: Close the Voicemeeter window or use the X button to exit
- End Individual Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate voicemeeter.exe and related Voicemeeter VAIO/Helper processes, then End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Voicemeeter entry
- Stop Background Routing: In Windows, ensure no Voicemeeter background services are configured to run at startup
- Disable Virtual Cables: Uninstall or disable VB-Audio Virtual Cable drivers from Settings → Apps & Features
How to Uninstall Voicemeeter
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Voicemeeter → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Voicemeeter → Uninstall
- ✔ If you used VB-Audio Cable, uninstall the cable driver as well to remove all components
Common Problems: Audio Routing or Performance
If voicemeeter.exe is not behaving as expected, check common Voicemeeter routing, DSP load, and virtual cable status.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Inputs/Outputs: Limit active inputs, reduce virtual cables, or consolidate routing to fewer buses
- DSP Overload: Lower DSP usage by disabling unused effects, lowering sample rate, or using fewer virtual devices
- Driver/Cable Not Recognized: Reinstall VB-Audio Cable drivers and reboot to reinitialize devices
- Mic Not Captured: Check Voicemeeter input selections, ensure microphone is assigned to the correct Hardware Input
- Audio Glitches/Crackling: Adjust buffer size in Voicemeeter or Windows Sound settings; update audio drivers
- Voicemeeter Not Starting: Run as administrator, repair install, or reset Voicemeeter configuration
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Voicemeeter, review input/output mappings, and close unused channels
2. Restart Voicemeeter and Windows audio services if issues persist
3. Update Voicemeeter and VB-Audio Cable to the latest versions
4. Reduce DSP load by disabling unnecessary effects
5. Verify default playback/record devices point to Voicemeeter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is voicemeeter.exe a virus?
No, voicemeeter.exe from VB-Audio is not a virus. Verify its location at C:\Program Files\VB-Audio\Voicemeeter and ensure a valid signature from VB-Audio Software.
Why is voicemeeter.exe using CPU?
CPU usage is driven by DSP tasks and routing complexity. High usage usually occurs when many virtual cables or effects are active; reduce resources or disable unused devices.
Can I delete voicemeeter.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Voicemeeter from Settings → Apps or Control Panel. Your audio routing will be affected until you install or switch to another mixer.
Can I disable voicemeeter.exe at startup?
Yes. Use Task Manager → Startup to disable Voicemeeter. This prevents automatic startup but does not remove the software.
How do I update Voicemeeter?
Visit the official VB-Audio site, download the latest Voicemeeter installer, and run it to update the existing installation.
What is Voicemeeter used for?
Voicemeeter provides virtual audio devices for routing mic input, system sound, and application audio to a single mixer for streaming, recording, or broadcast workflows.